Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC. Pictured: Francis Ngannou.
There is a new baddest man on the planet, and his first title defense could be one of the biggest fights in MMA history.
Francis Ngannou dominated Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 on Saturday night, knocking the UFC heavyweight champion out in the second round of the main event. It was a stark contrast from the pair’s first meeting two years ago, which saw Miocic contain Ngannou’s massive strength.
Ngannou’s first defense will likely be against Jon Jones, who has been preparing for a move from light heavyweight to heavyweight since last summer. Jones’ previous fight was a controversial win over Dominick Reyes back in February 2020.
_BookPromo=245
Is The Predator vs Bones next? 🏆
🇨🇲 @Francis_Ngannou is ready… #UFC260 pic.twitter.com/BiKGnkzyvQ
— UFC (@ufc) March 28, 2021
Jones has just one career loss, and that was due to illegal elbows early in his UFC career. He’s the youngest champion in company history and has the frame to do some real damage at heavyweight.
Overall, Jones is 26-1-1 in his career, although just one of his last eight official wins has been a finish. His last three fights against Reyes, Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith all were wins by decision.
He’s never faced anyone with power like Ngannou before.
The Westgate in Las Vegas and SuperBook Sports released early odds that favor Ngannou:
This would be a fairly high interest @ufc event @SuperBookSports @SuperBookNV @SuperBookCO @JonnyBones +160@francis_ngannou -180
*Must go by 12/31/2021 @Rex_Beyers @ababakitis24 @SportsXMMA @bokamotoESPN @AdamHillLVRJ
— John Murray (@vegasmurray) March 28, 2021
Obviously, Jones was watching intently. After watching Ngannou’s performance, his focus turned to making sure the money would be right for a heavyweight-championship showdown:
Show me the money
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 28, 2021
Ngannou said he would be ready for his first title defense in the summer. Time will tell whether that comes to fruition or if it will take more time. Dana White said earlier in the week that he was expecting Jones’ heavyweight-title shot to come during the fall.
